A Big Thank You

Our very first Procrastinator’s Book Club gathering last night was such a joy! Thank you to everyone who joined in.

If you couldn’t make it, don’t worry — I’ve compiled my favorite highlights below so you can still benefit from the wisdom of Sleep, Drink, Breathe by Dr. Michael Breus…

The Three 15s

Morning Ritual

This morning ritual was one of my favorite takeaways from our summer book.

Best way to start your day:

15 deep breaths

15 minutes of sunlight

15 ounces of water

These simple practices will help you reset your circadian rhythm, regulate your breathing, and help you stay hydrated!

 

Breathe: Reset Your Nervous System

Breathing is the fastest way to bring your body into balance.

Here’s one of my favorite exercises from the book:

 

Box Breathing

4-4-4-4 pattern

Inhale for 4

Hold for 4

Exhale for 4

Hold for 4

 

This breathing exercise is the “natural tranquilizer” that works better than counting sheep and doesn’t involve imaginary livestock

4-7-8 Breathing

Inhale for 4

Hold for 7

Exhale for 8

 

Drink: Hydration Matters

So many of us don’t realize how much hydration affects focus, mood, and energy. Aim to sip water consistently throughout the day, not just when you feel thirsty. Little habit, big impact.

Hydration Formula:

Your weight × 0.6 =

daily ounces needed

(For a 150-lb person, this is 90 ounces distributed throughout the day.)

 

Sleep: Bedtime Routine

Want to ensure a good night’s sleep? Try this:

The 20-20-20 Bedtime Routine

First 20 minutes:

Wrap up the day

Second 20 minutes: Hygiene/Self Care

Third 20 minutes:

Pre-sleep calm

 

Are you a Lion, Bear, Wolf, or Dolphin?

Did you find out your sleep chronotype while reading the book? This was a total hit in my house. If you haven’t yet taken the quiz, you can do so at the link below. I’d love to know what yours is – I’m a Bear!

Sleep Quiz

 

Warmly,

Dr. Krista